Group stage closes in Montevideo

Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay head into the under-20 semi-finals.

The CONMEBOL Sudamericano Sub-20 Futbol Playa group stage drew to a close on Thursday as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay moved into the semi-finals.

The final round of group-stage matches proved keenly contested affairs, with Brazil needing extra-time to get past Paraguay 6-5.

Savio’s fourth-period winner proved decisive against the Paraguayans – although the sides could meet again in Sunday’s final – while Argentina proved too strong for Uruguay in a 4-2 success.

While Brazil will face Colombia for a place in the final of the inaugural competition, Argentina meet Paraguay on Saturday, with Friday’s matches deciding the positions from fifth down.

Chile and Ecuador – beaten 5-4 by Bolivia and Venezuela on Thursday – will seek to avoid a last-place finish while the Bolivians meet Peru in the seventh-place play-off.

Hosts Uruguay face Venezuela in the battle for fifth.

Thursday results

Ecuador 4-5 Venezuela

Chile 4-5 Bolivia

Brazil 6-5 Paraguay (AET)

Uruguay 4-7 Argentina

Friday fixtures

Chile v Ecuador (Ninth-place play-off)

Bolivia v Peru (Seventh-place play-off)

Uruguay v Venzuela (Fifth-place play-off)